Rhipsalis micrantha ssp. kirbergii

Western Andean forests of Ecuador and Peru

The historical name “kirbergii” is now included within Rhipsalis micrantha. The species is native from Costa Rica to northern Peru. Material associated with the kirbergii name was recorded from western Ecuador.

It is a humid-forest epiphyte adapted to filtered light, warm to mild temperatures, regular moisture and strong airflow around its roots. Its long ribbed stems store water and hang through the canopy. Indoors, use a loose potting mix and let it dry slightly before watering again.

Growing Rhipsalis micrantha ssp. kirbergii indoors

Filtered light for long ribbed stems

Choose a bright position with filtered light and some soft morning sun. Strong midday exposure can mark the sharp ribs. Deep shade produces weak, widely spaced branching.

Thorough watering with an airy pause

Water the whole root ball after the upper mix has dried and let surplus escape. Maintain more even moisture during active growth, then extend the dry interval as light and temperature fall.

A secure hanging basket

Blend bark-rich compost with pumice so it holds some moisture without becoming heavy. Use a pot that drains freely. The long stems can extend well beyond the pot, so choose a level hanger and keep the ribs clear of narrow edges.

Mild warmth, humidity and light feeding

Keep away from cold windows and provide moderate humidity with ventilation. Use a weak fertiliser as new stems grow. Move or turn the basket only when the ribs feel firm enough to guide safely.

Common issues with Rhipsalis micrantha ssp. kirbergii

Firm brown lines develop along the sharp ribs

Repeated rubbing against a pot rim, wall or hanger causes permanent mechanical corking. Reposition the basket before flexible new stems acquire the same marks.

A ribbed stem darkens and softens at the base

This indicates decay associated with cold, wet compost. Remove the affected section, improve drainage and allow more air around the lower stems.

New branches are thin and widely spaced

Low light weakens the long angled growth. Increase filtered brightness gradually and delay feeding until firmer branching resumes.

The ribs remain wrinkled after watering

Check whether the root ball was dry enough to repel water or wet enough to damage roots. Re-soak a dry mix thoroughly; clean and repot failing roots.

Cottony deposits sit in the rib angles

Mealybugs shelter along the sharp edges and at branch junctions. Isolate the plant and repeat control and support the long stems to prevent creasing.

Rhipsalis micrantha ssp. kirbergii is non-toxic to cats and dogs

• This plant is non-toxic to cats and dogs.
• Its effects on people are unclear, so keep it away from young children who may chew it.
• Eating a large amount can still cause an upset stomach. Seek medical or veterinary advice if symptoms continue.

Rhipsalis micrantha: name and meaning

Rhipsalis comes from Greek rhips, wickerwork or basket weave. Rhipsalis refers to wickerwork and micrantha means small-flowered.

Joseph Gaertner established the genus Rhipsalis in 1788 in De Fructibus et Seminibus Plantarum, volume 1, page 137.

Karl Sigismund Kunth first described it as Cactus micranthus in 1823 in Nova Genera et Species Plantarum, volume 6, page 65. Augustin Pyramus de Candolle later placed it in Rhipsalis as Rhipsalis micrantha in 1828 in Prodromus Systematis Naturalis Regni Vegetabilis, volume 3, page 476.